SCREAMS and cheers echo down the hall at Horley Infant School as more than 100 young children sit fixated for more than an hour - but they are not sat in front of a television or a computer - they are taking part in a new project that could raise thousands for the Children's Trust.

After almost an hour of activity and adventure, Mr Collman handed out copies of his two books 'Worst Animal Jobs Ever' and 'I was a Brussel Sprout' to all the pupils.

But these books are not exactly a gift but in a move emulating rock group Radiohead's 2007 release of In Rainbows in which they invited fans to 'pay what you want', Mr Collman, 40, handed the books out for free and asked pupils to bring in whatever money they could.

The money raised will be split with half the proceeds going to the Tadworth-based Children's Trust Charity and the other half going to Mr Collman and any donation above the normal retail price of the book will also go to the charity.

"I Just thought the Radiohead thing was a really interesting concept, how would this work with books," said the former Burstow Primary School, Reigate St Mary's and Salfords Primary School teacher.

"Half the retail price is the most I will make out of each book but for me as an author it is great that my books are getting out there.

"I want children to have my book and I want to encourage story writing.

"We are going to have an event in early July where students from each school I have visited will come to the Children's Trust and present cheques.

"I am predicting I will get a total of about £2 per book and right now I have about 6,000 books left so I am hoping to get into 10 schools.

"I reckon we could raise £5,000 just in the summer term then next year I hope to print 10,000 books and raise £20,000.

"The only thing that could hold me back is not getting into the schools."

However, Mr Collman's optimism is tinged with sadness as the inspiration for fundraising activities came following the death of a former pupil.

In May 2003, 13-year-old Stephanie Gibson, whom Mr Collman describes as "one of my favourite pupils", was hit by a car near her Smallfield home and suffered head injuries - she died two days later.

Her final days were spent at the Children's Trust and it was the quality of the care she received during those few days

Mr Collman added: "During the assembly I talk about what the trust does, it feels like a legacy for Stephanie.

"I volunteer there because of her but whilst I love volunteering I thought I want to raise some money for them too.

"I was really good friends with her family but also taught her as well.

"She was so kind and caring as well as being a stand-out pupil and a stand-out person.

"After the accident she spent her last few days at the Children's Trust and I just realised from that what a wonderful place it is."